by Bruno B. @ Geeky Explorer | Travel smart

Mon Oct 09 22:07:36 PDT 2017

Struggling making a decision between Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh for your upcoming trip to Vietnam? In this article I’m comparing both cities in terms of food, safety, places to visit and overall vibe for you to decide its overall travel potential. Which one is the right for you? Vietnam is not the easiest of […]

by Phuong Thuy @ The Christina's Blog

Mon Jan 29 20:47:22 PST 2018

Are you wondering at which place you will feel our special Vietnamese holiday, Tet Nguyen Dan, the most? Look no further than the Red River Delta of Vietnam. According to Professor Luong Duc Hien, the word “Tet” is a unit of weather in a year. Since 4,000 years ago, Vietnam has been developing the system, in which one […]

by reyalonzo @ Noodle Saigon

Wed Nov 24 07:46:39 PST 2010

At Noodle Saigon, when you step through our doors, you will be immediately surrounded by a welcoming atmosphere and comfortable seating. Sample our delicious dishes, wonderful aromas, and outstanding service and you will be treated to a dining experience that is beyond compare. Click Here For Our Menu

Can you fall in love with a dish, really claim to know it, without ever having tried it in its country of origin? I fell in love with pho, the Vietnamese noodle soup, in Tokyo, of all places. Wrong city: wrong noodle soup, I know, but I had been on a ramen binge for a week and craved something lighter.

by Anna Suszynski @ The Christina's Blog

Mon Jan 01 15:42:50 PST 2018

Mount Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam and Indochina peninsula, located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It was once only visited by adventure seekers fit enough to make the strenuous hike, but now this mountain offers a few different experiences for all types of travelers. Regardless of the new tram that brings […]

by David Kaye @ Vietcetera

Wed Jan 31 23:46:18 PST 2018

“This is the kind of project that inspires people to become designers,” Greg Jewett, Rice’s Creative Director, smiles. He’s talking about making the artwork for Suboi’s 2.7 EP, a cathartic coming-of-age record from the “Queen of Vietnamese hip-hop.” The finished cover is a strange, beguiling image most likely unnoticed by listeners streaming the three songs—the […]

by Bruno B. @ Geeky Explorer | Travel smart

Tue Jun 13 09:39:19 PDT 2017

Looking for a clever, effective and inexpensive way to boost your photos on your smartphone? Pixter might be the answer you’re looking for. This is a detailed review on of their attachable smartphone camera lens: the Super Fisheye! I confess I had a bit of prejudice against smartphone accessories. It’s just that I’ve seen so […]

There are some dishes so synonymous with a country, so entwined in the national identity, that to visit and not sample a plate or bowl or stick means your visit was incomplete. Isn’t it on everyone’s ‘to do’ list to eat a juicy burger in America

by admin @ DanielFoodDiary.com

Sun Jan 07 22:13:11 PST 2018

[Taipei] Instagram has certainly changed consumer habits and how coffee shops keep themselves abreast in a very challenging market. Mr R Drinks 雨田先生手冲饮品吧 at Zhongxiao East Road got into the social media limelight with its very photogenic drinks of Rose Milk and Marsh Milk Tea aka Mr Fox Milk Tea. Sometimes, you get other animals on the drink. Do not discount Mr R Drinks, or “Yu Tian Xian Sheng” as another one of those just riding on the Instagram trend. The barista-owner is serious about his coffee, importing coffee beans from various parts of the world, offering hand-drips and takeaway cups. Until he was overwhelmed with orders. When I visited, the shop had a limited menu of Marsh Milk Tea (NT$180, SGD$8.10), Rose Milk, Strawberry Milk and Baileys Milk (NT$150, SGD$6.80), Apple Cider (NT$150, SGD$6.80), Umeshu Soda (NT$140, SGD$6.30), Pikachu Soda (NT$65, SGD$2.90) and… Miso Soup (NT$90, SGD$4). As this is a one-man-show operation and lines can be long, every customer is limited to buying just one cup. During peak hours, you have to get a ticket first before queuing. The barista was seen frothing and making his drinks cup by cup, so wait can be rather long. Each cup took at least 5 to 10 minutes to make. I ordered the Marsh Milk Tea (NT$180, SGD$8.10) only because I was intrigued at the cute fox on the drink. Like how it got there? However, I was slightly disappointed when he handed me a hot frothy cup of milk tea on one hand, a fox on the other enclosed in a plastic packaging, and told me to put it on myself. I see. There wasn’t any 3D latte art involved. For the Rose Milk (NT$150, SGD$6.80) drink though, he helped to carefully place the rose ‘biscuit’ made of egg white...

by admin @ DanielFoodDiary.com

Thu Jan 04 17:26:55 PST 2018

[Taipei] One of Taipei’s most instagrammable dessert café of late has to be Sugar Miss, with photos of their famed Marble Cube Cake trending in several social media feeds (at least the Chinese ones). The Marble Cube Cakes come with varied fillings of matcha, raspberry and taro, available in very limited quantities. Each is priced about NT$240 – 265 (SGD$10.80 – SGD$11.90), considered on the higher side for Taiwan, though Singaporeans should be used to these prices for cakes. Do note there is a minimum expenditure of NT$200 required for each customer, which should be easily met as long as you get a drink. Reservations are recommended, as the café can get very popular during the weekends. As I arrived about 2pm, there were just 2 Marble Cube Cake left. The décor looked rather “Lady M” – all clean, white with marbled tables, and ironically Lady M Taipei is just located a short distance away with a moderately long queue. The entire vibes felt rather ‘cold’ though, without the extreme friendliness you see at other Taipei café places. Other offerings included the best-selling Marble Cheese Cake (NT$190 per slice, SGD$8.50), and Mille Crepe Cakes with flavours of Matcha Milk, Earl Grey, Valrhona Chocolate, Taro and Seasonal Fruit (NT$180 – 230, SGD$8.00 – 10.30). The Marble Cube Cake was certainly a good-looker, different from other conventional cakes, placed on a marbled plate on white table. This café certainly knows about how to get good lighting for optimal photos. Unfortunately, taste wise, it wasn’t the most impressive. It was OKAY. While the top molten layer looked melty, it was solidified and didn’t add much taste wise. Beneath was a chiffon layer and raspberry fillings that didn’t quite flow at all. It was probably just this cake, as I have seen other versions...

by admin @ Miss Saigon

by Bruno B. @ Geeky Explorer | Travel smart

Wed Oct 25 06:38:59 PDT 2017

This list of useful tips and tricks of Vietnam is mostly intended for first-time visitors but it can help anyone achieve a safe and worry-free travel. It should alert you for common mistakes and prepare you for traveling to one of the most amazing countries on Earth. I mean it. Not gonna lie: Vietnam is […]

by Jasmine Gui @ TripZilla Magazine

by admin @ Eating Saigon!

Sat Oct 14 16:01:07 PDT 2017

Maison Marou 167-169 Calmette Street District 1 +84-873005010 09:00 am – 22:00 pm ************************************************************************ Fifteen years ago, when I first began traveling back and forth between Vietnam and California, there were two predictable requests by my Vietnamese friends about what items I must buy in the USA and bring back for them upon my return [Read on ...]

by IFOTC @ Itchy Feet on the Cheap

Wed Feb 15 03:00:29 PST 2017

I’ll admit, I’m a little confused about Korea’s market scene. Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is located in what I believe is the oldest market building in Korea. It opened in 1905, when it was called Dongdaemun Market, which was the name of an older market that was destroyed in the Korean War and rebuilt in 1959. [...]

by Bruno B. @ Geeky Explorer | Travel smart

Sat Oct 07 11:36:32 PDT 2017

Finding a good and reliable travel app can be a hard task. In this article I will try to answer the question: which are the best apps to find cheap flights on your phone? Booking flights before vs now Not many years ago, you need an appointment with your travel agent to book a flight. We booked […]

by IFOTC @ Itchy Feet on the Cheap

Sun Feb 05 01:00:35 PST 2017

Signup for my weekly newsletter The first time I took Chopper Suey (my Chinese-made American cruiser bike) on a road trip, was to the sexy hills of Dalat. As we pulled into town, surrounded by pines and fresh cool air, I knew I was going to love the place. Formerly a retreat town for the [...]

by admin @ DanielFoodDiary.com

Sat Jan 06 07:49:16 PST 2018

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao Ngee Ann City #B2-36A, 391 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238873 (Orchard MRT) Tel: +65 6733 3229 Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm Daily NEW Outlet At Ngee Ann City B2 Great to have Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao back at Ngee Ann City, which is a constant favourite for family meals. This is especially when we need to satisfy Xiao Long Bao cravings in the heart of town. In terms of food choices, the restaurant continues to specialize in Northern Chinese specialties – as its name suggest La Mian and Xiao Long Bao dumplings; along with meat and seafood dishes from around the Jiangnan region. The specialty is the Hainanese Chicken Xiao Long Bao ($6.80) which incorporates the Singapore signature dish of Hainanese Chicken Rice into their famed Chinese dumplings. To complete the experience, I would recommend dipping the dumpling into the specially made ginger paste, then let the entire piece burst in your mouth. Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao (Ngee Ann City) Food Exchange Novotel Singapore On Stevens, Orchard District, 28 Stevens Road, #01-01, Singapore 257878 Tel: +65 6491 6100 Impressive International Buffet At Novotel Singapore on Stevens The international buffet restaurant is located on the 2nd storey of the new hotel located in the prestigious Stevens Road neighbourhood. Ready for some fresh sashimi and seafood, hot cooking stations serving up Eggs Benedict, Risotto, Foie Gras, and BBQ and Grill? You must leave some room for the roast meats, which I thought was a cut (pardon the pun) above the rest. The Sunday Family Brunch from 12:00pm – 3:00pm is priced at $78++ or $128++ with free flow Moet Champaign, Rose wine, Red wine, White wine and Draft Beer. HSBC Card Holders enjoy 50% OFF the 2nd diner till 28th...

by admin @ Eating Saigon!

Mon Aug 21 15:10:28 PDT 2017

Chiều Cháo Lòng 26 Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt Bình Thạnh District 0934 324557 ******************************* One of my favorite memories from my years living in Hanoi (already 10 years ago now), is a small cháo lòng eatery just a few blocks from my apartment there. On a chilly Hanoi winter morning, there was nothing better for breakfast than [Read on ...]

by David Kaye @ Vietcetera

Thu Jan 25 23:02:40 PST 2018

Gema’s General Director, Mauricio Alves, works with his multinational team in a house style defined by its indefinability. The architecture and interior design company were commissioned to design Le Club Bar at the historic Hanoi Sofitel Legend Metropole, NAMO’s artisanal Italian pizzeria, El Gaucho’s macho neo-industrial Argentinian steakhouses, and the Maharajah’s palace opulence of Tajmasago Indian […]

by admin @ DanielFoodDiary.com

Thu Jan 04 21:29:43 PST 2018

The Return Of The Taiwanese Bubble Tea craze in Singapore sees old players such as Gong Cha, Singapore brand LiHo and Taiwan’s PlayMade 丸作, all of them with difference in their areas of specialty. Let’s just say Gong Cha is known for their Alisan Milk Foam, LiHo for Cheese drinks (which is now everywhere) and PlayMade 丸作 for their freshly made pearls. Bobii Frutii will be opening its first store in Singapore at The Clementi Mall. I first tried Bobii Frutii 珍珠水果特調 in Taipei which attracted a crowd initially due to its distinct coloured and “Instagram-worthy” layers. Each cup is made using milk, tea and colourful pearls, with no artificial flavourings, man-made essences, creamer or preservatives. The menu in Singapore features a total of 37 drinks in a single cup size and divided into 5 different categories – Tea/Au Lait aka “served with milk” in French ($2.50 – $3.90), Ice Blended ($5.90 – $6.90), Matcha ($4.90 – $6.50), Fruit Tea ($3.90 – $5.90) and Cheese Tea, exclusive to Singapore ($4.50 – $5.90). Pearls aka bobii (Taiwanese slang for tapioca pearls) that are preservative-free come in 3 different flavours: Original ($0.60), Butterfly Pea ($0.90) and Brown Sugar ($0.90), are made in Taiwan and air-flown to Singapore to ensure freshness and consistency. One thing to note, the bobii in each cup is considerably less compared to other competitor brands out there. Apart from their aesthetically pleasing appearance, each of their signature items have funky names that made me wonder what the flavours are, so I gave up on their names and ended up ordering by colours. “Hi, can I have the blue and yellow layered drink?” “Oh, you mean Mermaid’s Tears?” “Ya, that one.” I cried. The names included Don’t Want To Work, Pandora Treasures, Childhood Memory, Green Romance, and Don’t Want...

by Eleanor Nguyen @ The Christina's Blog

Tue Jan 30 02:05:36 PST 2018

Tet is just around the corner! To the Vietnamese, Tet (A.K.A Lunar New Year) is as important as Christmas is to Westerners. However, because Tet is a family holiday, many people will leave the big city like Saigon to return to their hometown for a reunion. As a result, many restaurants, shopping malls, and attractions […]

by Juliana Hahn @ The Christina's Blog

Wed Feb 07 06:24:32 PST 2018

Founded in 1907 as a French hill station, Dalat is still a popular destination both for local and international visitors. The city quickly grew, with new hotels, resorts, golf courses, and even boarding schools. Located in the highlands and surrounded by pine forests, the city enjoys a temperate climate quite unlike the rest of Vietnam. […]

by reyalonzo @ Noodle Saigon

Wed Nov 24 07:43:04 PST 2010

“I came in on Tuesday and my experience there was magnificent. I never thought I would be able to eat pho again. I recently just moved down here about 2 weeks ago from New Hampshire. I love Asian food and missed “Vietnamese” food. All the flavors and aromas from the bowl of soup I had […]

by Phuong Thuy @ The Christina's Blog

Sat Jan 27 00:29:58 PST 2018

You might have heard that most businesses close during Tet in Hanoi, and that you won’t find a place to enjoy a slow dinner over the grill, let alone the charms of the city. But take it from a local, don’t worry! This thousand-year-old capital can show you a traditional Tet in Vietnam if you […]

by Phuong Thuy @ The Christina's Blog

Fri Dec 29 02:29:06 PST 2017

H’mong, Dao, and Giay people speaking English more fluently than Vietnamese, tremendous natural vistas right outside your balcony, an early morning chill with clouds hovering over the mountains, this and more is what you should expect from Sapa! Located on the northern border of Vietnam, Sapa is the only region of the country that has […]

by Jake Hornberger @ Vietcetera

Wed Jan 31 16:59:36 PST 2018

In 2017, Vietnam saw 12,922,251 international visitors exit its airports’ terminals looking to get a taste of what the country is all about. That number is an increase of 29.1% over the same period last year according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. As new guests continue rolling into Vietnam, the demand for […]

by David Kaye @ Vietcetera

Mon Jan 29 23:50:55 PST 2018

The Clumsies is an all-day bar in the Greek capital of Athens. Currently ranked sixth in the world, their high-concept cocktail menu is changed annually. While their team continue to innovate at home, two of The Clumsies are here to launch a pop-up at the Park Hyatt Saigon. They touched down with a suitcase filled […]

by admin @ DanielFoodDiary.com

Sun Jan 07 18:17:54 PST 2018

Taiwanese Bakery Kazo has opened at Chinatown Point (nearer Hong Lim Food Centre side), offering a selection of Polo Buns, Cream Puffs, and Kazu Kazu which are long choux pastries. The brand is supposedly popular in Taiwan, with a different name of Nichifu 日芙洋菓子 with stores in Taichung. (My Taiwanese friends have never heard of it though.) Having just returned from Taiwan, I was inevitably curious towards Kazo and its products. Offerings included Premium Ice Cream Polo ($5.50 for 2 scoops, $3.80 for 1), Hokkaido Cream Golden Lava ($3.00), Crispy Cream Puff ($1.80), Kazu Kazu ($3.50), Cheese Tart ($3.00 for original, $3.20 for chocolate or matcha) and Kazoman Beverages ($3.00 – $3.50). This is like many things trending / instagrammable all in one store. The Premium Ice Cream Polo ($5.50) could remind some of Hokkaido Ice Cream Puff, in which you could choose from Hokkaido Cream, Matcha, and Chocolate. The former boosted a more crusty puff pastry and creamier quality ice cream, but lacked of that buttery fragrance. While I wished I could eat the Polo with my hands (like how the photos featured). In reality, the ice cream would start dripping within seconds and scooping from the provided plastic box would be cleaner. I was curious how the Kazu Kazu would match up with the famous Japan’s Zaku Zaku – which by the way has opened in Taipei and ‘inspired’ many other versions. This Kazu Kazu had a firmer crusty outer layer which I did not mind, though its filling of Hokkaido cream was mild and pale in comparison. My sense is the Hokkaido Cream Golden Lava ($3.00) could land up being its most popular item, as local consumers are still fascinated by the idea of flowing lava. Mine was indeed very molten. Though I suspect some might come...

Subscribe: [Ho Chi Minh City] A trip to Vietnam without having some pho would be a culinary crime. Among all Vietnamese dishes that made their way across the globe, this is arguably the most iconic dish of Vietnamese cuisine. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The question is: Where to go for a bowl of pho in the land of hundreds of Pho shops, sometimes only a few meters away from each other? Phở Phú Vương started to be a humble pho stall, and grew to two shops with approximately 200 seats in total. The shop specialises in Southern-style Pho, which differs mainly from its northern counterpart in the sweetness of the broth and the condiments used to accompany your pho bowl. Pho Phu Vuong represents the typical no-frills local eatery where there is no ambience to speak of. However the place is covered in white-tiled walls, brightly lit, reasonably clean and relatively spacious as compared to other eateries in town. You come in, you order, waiters bring the food, you eat, pay and leave. At meal time when customers flow in, you certainly have to share tables with strangers. Service is no means courteous or polite one that the West is accustomed to. There are two main seating areas at this branch on Nguyen Thai Binh street, only one has the air-conditioner to help you combat the heat while slurping the tasty pho. You get to choose your pho with a range of beef cut; there is no English menu so this is a Pho dictionary for easy ordering: Tái = sliced rare beef steak Nạm = sliced beef flank Gầu = flatty flank Gân = beef tendon Vè = crunchy flank Sách = beef tripe Thịt Nhừ = minced beef Đuôi bò = ox... Continue Reading

by Hao Tran @ Vietcetera

Mon Jan 29 20:17:57 PST 2018

Retail sales in Vietnam rose 12% year-on-year by the end of 2017. Vietnam has also been ranked as the country with the most potential in Asia—even higher than Singapore, China, Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia—by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Additionally, the Global Retail Development Index marked Vietnam as the 6th most attractive retail market […]

by Juliana Hahn @ The Christina's Blog

Mon Jan 01 16:07:57 PST 2018

Sapa is famous for its beautiful landscapes full of verdant rice paddies, rolling hills, Vietnam’s highest mountain, and hidden trails in overgrown valleys. While the idea of coming here for a trek far off from the noise and pollution of the big cities inspires wanderlust, organizing it all can be a bit daunting, especially for […]

by Jake Hornberger @ Vietcetera

Tue Jan 30 19:28:53 PST 2018

The conscious consumer movement is spreading across the globe. Buyers are better informed than ever about supply chain practices, and they’re demanding transparency. Sustainability and ethical practices are at the core of their concerns and in Vietnam, the movement’s been fed by scares around cups of fake coffee, sedative-fed pigs, and chemically-ripened fruit. On the […]

by admin @ Miss Saigon

by admin @ DanielFoodDiary.com

Fri Jan 05 21:36:56 PST 2018

[Taipei] Yong Kang Beef Noodles 永康牛肉麺館 is known to be one of the best Taiwanese beef noodle joints in Taipei, well-known for its spicy soup. This two-level restaurant serves up signature Beef Noodles with tender Australian beef and chewy noodles in a flavourful broth, definitively a winner judging by the line in front of this dining establishment. (The other famous shop in the neighbourhood is 老张牛肉麵店 Lao Zhang Beef Noodles.) I went at about 10:45am and there were about 2-3 people in the line. Thinking that it should be okay if I take a stroll around the neighbourhood, I returned at 11:00am only to see about 30 – 40 people in the queue already. Many of them brought along their luggage or entire families. Lesson learnt: Come early. Yong Kang Beef Noodles was founded back in 1963 by Mr. Cheng who originally from Szechuan in China. After he finished his military duties, Mr. Cheng decided to open a small stall at Yong Kang Street and sell beef noodles. The stall became an instant hit and started to attract both locals and people from China who moved here to Taipei City. After Mr. Cheng retired in the 1970s, the place was handed over to his protégé, Mr. Luo who is the current owner. As for the interior, it has not much changed over the years. There are dozens of tables and they are usually packed with customers. You will also see the counter with a menu to choose from. There is also a tourist-friendly English and Japanese menu with photos. Most of the tables are round and can accommodate up to 6 people. If you come solo or in a pair, you are likely to be seated with other patrons. Their signature dish is the Braised Beef with Noodles in Spicy...

by admin @ DanielFoodDiary.com

Sun Jan 07 23:14:22 PST 2018

[Seoul] When I needed a good coffee recommendation, food blogger Daniel (yeah, same name) from Seoul Eats took me to Coffee Libre 커피리브레at Hong Dae near Hongik University Station. The thing that makes Coffee Libre stand out from other coffee shops in the city is the fact that the owners are dedicated to coffee. This is from sourcing the best coffee beans in the world, and choosing to have different brewing methods. Established in 2012, Coffee Libre 커피리브레 is an independent coffee shop in Seoul with branches in Yeonnam-dong, Yeongdeung-po, Shinsegae, and Myeongdong. The name of the coffee shop comes from the Spanish word “libre”, which translates to Mexican luchador wrestlers. The icon on the cup did remind me of Jack Black’s character from the Mexican-American sports comedy film Nacho Libre. Coffee Libre grinds beans for every single cup of coffee, and they have participated in dozens of coffee-related events in the country. I have been to 3 different branches of Coffee Libre. Hong Dae’s branch has more indie vibes for coffee aficionados; Time Square has a much bigger space and appeals more to the young; while Myeongdong’s outlet is a hidden spot right in the middle of a tourist hub. This small branch of Coffee Libre in Myeongdong boasts a quite unusual location, as it is situated within the Myeong-dong Cathedral complex. Yes, right in front of the famous church. The interior is simple and cozy with several tables and a long bar. Guests can choose to either drink their coffee indoors or take it to go. They are especially known for sourcing their single-origin coffee beans via fair-trade directly, and obtaining highly regarded CoE (Cup of Excellence) beans as well. As one of the top independent roasters they participate in various coffee-related events in Korea, and top baristas...

by Phuc Nguyen @ The Christina's Blog

Wed Jan 31 08:55:20 PST 2018

The North celebrates the Spring of 2018 with many unique festivals such as the Hai Ba Trung Festival, the beautiful pink peach-blossoms that line the streets, and a slight breeze that is both warming and reminiscent of home. The South, on the other hand, greets Tet with the charming yellow apricot-blossoms and joy in the […]

by IFOTC @ Itchy Feet on the Cheap

Mon Feb 20 08:45:33 PST 2017

A Very Detailed Travel Itinerary Tours are for foo-ls. I tried my best to make that rhyme. While Vietnam may seem a little daunting at first, the country is not difficult to travel – especially if you have a great blog to aid you, with details on every leg of the trip, written by a [...]

by thepointsoflife @ The Points Of Life

Mon Feb 12 10:07:22 PST 2018

Lil Marco, Lyin Ted, Crooked Hillary: hearing those nicknames enough times makes it difficult not to use the accompanying adjective with the proper noun. The same is true about the ‘failing’ NYT which made a terrible decision in not selecting let alone interviewing TPOL for the thankless task of traveling to 52 cities around the […]

Oh Ho Chi Minh City, the usual first or final stop on a backpacker’s journey through Vietnam. After an interesting bus ride across the border from Cambodia, we arrived in this adorable city filled with flowers overflowing from balconies and motorbikes making up the infamous traffic. Eat When you’re travelling …

by reyalonzo @ Noodle Saigon

Tue Nov 23 16:41:08 PST 2010

Noodle Saigon is a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine with flair in Naples, Florida! Come in today and enjoy a hearty meal that will delight your taste buds and satisfy the largest of appetites. Don’t forget to bring your friends, family, and coworkers to share in the fun and delicious food. When you step […]

by Jake Hornberger @ Vietcetera

Sun Feb 04 16:43:58 PST 2018

Pastry making is an art form with a long and fascinating history. Naturally, the French did much to transform delicate desserts into their modern incarnation. Claude, the celebrated French painter and occasional chef, accidentally created the first modern puff pastry while attempting to make a cake for his sick father. Later, the glamorization of pastries […]

by admin @ Eating Saigon!

Tue Jul 25 18:00:12 PDT 2017

BonBon Residence 2C8 Trường Sa Street P. 19, Bình Thạnh District **************************************** Let’s get this out of the way right up front. I hate the name BonBon Residence. Sounds like an assisted-living home for expired frozen treats. And, I want to be clear that Eating Saigon! is not in the business of reviewing the Saigon hotel/housing [Read on ...]

I landed in Saigon a few minutes past midnight exhausted and wired but excited to be in Vietnam, a country that had occupied my imagination for decades. I’d had just enough time at Narita airport to pick up a liter of Yamazaki Single Malt 12 year old Japanese whiskey, my safety net for a good …

by Phuong Thuy @ The Christina's Blog

Tue Jan 30 00:44:44 PST 2018

Discovered and architecturally planned by the French more than a century ago, the temperate climate of Da Lat found up here makes it one of the most romantic cities in Vietnam. I’m planning a trip to Da Lat again this Tet and I want to share with you, not only my previous experiences but also […]

by admin @ DanielFoodDiary.com

Wed Jan 03 23:00:34 PST 2018

The melonpan with ice cream, a Japanese sweet bun, reminded me of our popular local street food: Ice Cream Sandwich. The $1 Ice Cream Sandwich sold along the streets in pushcarts had always been one of Singapore’s Must-Eat items, so popular that it made into one of BuzzFeed’s listicles in 2016, which (unfortunately) went viral for the wrong reason. The Japanese melonpan (also known as melon bun) was named due to its outward appearance which resembled that of a rock melon, but in fact doesn’t taste like one traditionally. Located at the basement level of Our Tampines Hub is Singapore’s first melonpan specialty shop, offering Plain MelonPan in 2 different sizes: Small (1 for $2.60, 5 for $10) and Large (1 for $3.40, 3 for $9), MelonPan Gelato with 3 options: Small melon pan with 1 choice of flavour ($4.80), Small melon pan with 2 flavours ($6.80) and Large melon pan with 2 flavours ($7.80). Order and payment is first made at the casher before proceeding to the right for selection of gelato flavours from their wide selection on display. Interesting flavours include Avocado, Chendol, Honeycomb, Yuzu and D24 Durian, which are local and relatable. Toppings such as Sunflower seeds, Rainbow sprinkle and Peanuts are available at an additional $0.60 whereas durian toppings are priced at $2.50. I chose the Avocado and Black Sesame Gelato to go with my Large MelonPan Gelato ($7.80) that came with 2 rusks (twice-baked bread). The rusk actually acted as a “spoon” to scoop the gelato instead of licking or biting directly into it. I made the mistake of eating my “spoon” (accidentally) and ended up in a mess while licking the gelato though. The generous amount of gelato (which tasted more like ice cream with a harder texture and more solid shape) was actually...